Ery attended the eting called by the Nephilim princess, Jinkan. The gathering brought together all nine teams, consisting of a total of 50 mbers. Despite the high casualties reported from various factions, their team remained unscathed, which was a testant to their preparation and organization.
As they assembled for the eting, the mood was a mix of determination and apprehension. The fourth layer gate was set to open before them, and everyone agreed that this expedition would be even more challenging than the previous ones. It was evident that a new strategy was needed to navigate the upcoming trials.
The statistics of the Celestial Ruins participants were presented during the eting:
[Magus Alliance: 29,881 participants]
[Elven: 9,088 participants]
[Others: 51,623 participants]
[Total Casualties: 14,122 participants]
It was revealed that two-thirds of the casualties were among the rogue magus, while the elves had nearly a thousand casualties themselves. These numbers highlighted the perilous nature of their endeavors.
However, what piqued Jinkan's interest the most was the latest information regarding those who had managed to recover the coveted gold dals. The gold dals held a special significance in their quest, and Jinkan was eager to gather information about the magus who had succeeded in obtaining them.
[Fourth layer dal: 22,500 dals]
[Elven: 7,255 dals]
[Magus alliance: 9,447 dals]
[Others: 4,221 dals]
[Unaccounted for: 1,577 dals]
The numbers indicated the dominance of the elves when it ca to collecting dals, a trend that had persisted for millennia. The Elves had always excelled in this regard. However, this dominance also posed a significant challenge for the human magus. Without proper preparation and strategic adjustnts, they might find it incredibly difficult to secure all the dals they need to advance to the 5th layer.
In the 5th layer ruins, the dals were limited to just 1000 for each vault, resulting in a total of 9000 dals available for the taking. Given the sheer number of magus participating in the competition, competition for these limited dals was fierce.
Jinkan, as the leader and coordinator of the magus teams, recognized the pressing need for a more strategic approach. She ticulously gathered information from all eight groups, compiling data on the strength of magus within each vault and identifying the top-ranking scorers, whether they were elves or humans. This comprehensive data was then cross-referenced with the recomndations sent by the Nephilim headquarters.
After careful consideration, Jinkan made a pivotal decision: she would rge two groups of five into a single group of ten. This strategic realignnt aid to ensure that they had a more formidable force capable of swiftly clearing temples or effectively defending against potential threats.
The primary focus now shifted to acquiring gold dals, a departure from their previous emphasis on gathering shards. The rationale behind this shift in strategy was clear: securing enough gold dals was the primary objective. Once they had successfully secured their passage to the 5th layer, they could then redirect their efforts toward collecting more shards.
The overarching goal remained the sa: to reach the deeper layer of the ruins to get more points. Jinkan believed that this reorganization would not only enhance their chances of success but also optimize their efficiency in achieving their ultimate goal.
Lambert, the vigilant Kingsguard of the Proxima faction, brought up an interesting proposition. "Considering that most of the top-tier magus were concentrated in the light vaults, it might be a prudent move for us to shift to a different vault. This would not only increase our chances of securing a dal but also potentially yield more points."
Uria and the majority of the Albatross faction held a contrasting perspective. They were deeply invested in their pursuit of shards related to the Law of Light, which had the potential to significantly advance their mastery of this particular law. For them, the Light vaults were a priority.
Jinkan, stepped in to address the situation with a composed deanor. She reminded everyone that these 30-mber teams were ticulously ford with the purpose of fast and efficient clearing. With Ery back in the team, she expressed her unwavering confidence in their ability to collect the necessary dals in the light vaults.
Jinkan turned her attention to Ery and sought his opinion on the matter. Given that the dark elves had been specifically targeting him, exploring the light vaults would potentially pose a greater threat to his safety. She inquired, "What do you think, Ery?"
Ery, showing a firm resolve, replied without hesitation, "No, I agree. The light vaults are our best option." He was thinking that if the dark elves were seeking confrontation, he would have to obtain more shards or dals from them.
With the decision made, Jinkan briskly addressed the group, taking into account the limited ti left before the gate opened. She urged them to head to their respective destinations promptly. Her final words were filled with hope and encouragent, "I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the 5th layer crossover. Good luck to all of you."
As everyone began to disperse, Ery seized the opportunity to approach Jinkan for a more in-depth discussion about the current state of the ruins.
"Tell sothing I don't know," Ery inquired.
Jinkan willingly shared information with Ery and began to elaborate on the latest developnts.
The Nephilim princess didn't hesitate to share the latest developnts with him. She began by revealing that the family had identified the group of mysterious magus sent by a powerful warlord from the natural factions. Their purpose was to spy on and manipulate both human and elf groups within the ruins. Of particular interest was the discovery that one of the grade five human factions was deeply involved with this covert operation.
Ery pressed for more details, asking, "Which faction?"
Jinkan shook her head slightly, indicating her lack of certainty. "Not sure for now, at least not the Nephilim," she replied.
Ery found this news to be quite compelling. The fact that such significant resources were being allocated for this operation hinted at an impending developnt or event within the ruins. It was clear that sothing significant was on the horizon, and Ery couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation and uncertainty about what lay ahead.
He then recalled what Julian had ntioned earlier about the elves attempting to break through to the 7th layer and decided to ask Jinkan for more information.
The Nephilim princess let out a deep sigh before explaining. She began by reminding Ery and the others that Celestials had disappeared more than 3000 years ago. The ruins they were exploring were one of the legacies left behind, still actively managed by an intelligent entity: a celestial machine. This machine periodically generated new celestial constructs and opened the ruins for the new magus to enter and reap rewards.
However, the true objectives of the Celestials remained shrouded in mystery, with no conclusive evidence to confirm their purpose. What was known, and had been happening for millennia, was that at the end of the 7th layer, magus would obtain valuable artifacts, high-grade skills, or spells in exchange for their accumulated points. This was a well-established tradition.
But now, new intelligence had erged. The elves, it seed, had discovered another secret beyond the 7th layer, sothing that had eluded all previous generations of magus.
"What secret is that?"
Jinkan responded with a faint chuckle before explaining, "They believe it to be the revival of a Celestials."
She went on to elaborate that the high elves were convinced that there were still dormant Celestials beyond the 7th layer, and their awakening was approaching, signaled by a countdown.
However, Jinkan made it clear that many of the top factions were skeptical of this belief. After all, there had been no signs of Celestials for the past 3000 years. She smiled as she revealed that this expedition marked the 100th attempt to explore the ruins—a number that held its own intrigue.
Ery posed one last question to Jinkan, his gaze unwavering as he sought a truthful answer. "Is this why you recruited into your team? Are you planning sothing as well?"
Jinkan responded calmly, her tone earnest, "Of course. Even if it's just a possibility, we can't afford to dismiss it. If there's even a fragnt of a chance it's true, I wish for us to be part of it. Don't you agree?"
With that, Jinkan emphasized the need for everyone to be more serious about accumulating points and helping the group collect more. She harbored hopes that a few of them might gain access to the mysterious 8th layer.
Reminded of their mission, Jinkan called on everyone to prepare, as it was ti to face the guardian of the fourth layer.
Over 2000 magus stood ready in front of the gate, and just as before, High Priestess Loriel Strawin opened the fourth gate, leading them into the chamber where their battle against the guardian awaited.
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